GRIT from Gearist: Recent Episodes
Gearist
Running is hard. Running a trail ultra marathon / ultramarathon is harder. GRIT is our show about finding motivation and grit for not only endurance sports but for the life we have to lead every day. With hosts Brandon Wood and Arron Garrod. Season 1: the 2022 Leadville Trail 100
In training for the 2022 Leadville Trail 100, our boy Arron needed to escape from his seaside, zero elevation home in Virginia Beach and head west to Colorado. While there, he and Brandon hit some great trails in and around Boulder County winding up as high as 12,000 feet.
In part one of two, Brandon and Arron talk about some of the adventures on this trip and also look at new gear from Zealios, 100% sunglasses and an awesome bodysurfing toy from WAW Handplanes.
Links from the show:
Christmas Ale From Upslope Brewing Company: https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/18564/87213/?ba=beergoot
Key Lime Pie Nitro from Left Hand Brewing Co.: https://lefthandbrewing.com/beers/key-lime-pie-nitro
Norvik from 100% Sunglasses: https://www.100percent.com/collections/norvik
WAW Badfish Bodysurfing Handplane: https://amzn.to/39HrpVr
Zealios body, hair and skincare: https://amzn.to/3bksgeX
Kahtoola Microspikes: https://amzn.to/3bjgfX7
Picture Rock Trail: https://www.bouldercounty.org/open-space/parks-and-trails/heil-valley-ranch/
Arapahoe Pass Trail: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recarea/?recid=28180
Fourth of July Trailhead: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recarea/?recid=28264
First Landing State Park: https://www.first-landing-state-park.org/
Chasm Lake Trail: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/romo_chasmlake.htm
Hanauma Bay State Park: http://hanaumabaystatepark.com/
Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076
Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005
Brandon and Arron review the Nike Trail Pegasus 4 as they talk about ramping up mileage in preparation for Arron's Leadville Trail 100 ultramarathon coming up in August of 2022.
Also on the show, the guys talk about finding the sweet spot for endurance running. Is it based on heart rate (hint: yes)? Pace? Effort? Finding the most effective running effort can be tricky but it's also the key to being able to run a long way without overextending yourself.
Finally, Arron and Brandon talk about how running - and endurance sports more broadly - are a hugely important part of how they find joy living. #FJL
Links from the show:
Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076
Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005
With Arron heading to Colorado for some tune up trail running in preparation for the 2022 Leadville Trail 100 in a few weeks, the guys look at some possible training options for his short trip!
Also on tap, Brandon and Arron have gotten their hands on a bunch of new and upcoming running shoes from Nike including first impression reviews of the Zoom Terra Kiger 8, React Infinity Run Flyknit 3, Air Zoom Pegasus 39 and the React Pegasus Trail 4.
Links from the show:
Fix a busted bike tire with a dollar bill: https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/biking/fix-busted-tire-buck/
Hall Ranch on Trail Run Project: https://www.trailrunproject.com/directory/8011976/hall-ranch
Long's Peak: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/longspeak.htm
Seth's Weather Report Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/212623405490878
First Landing State Park on Trail Run Project: https://www.trailrunproject.com/trail/7010443/first-landing-state-park-loop
Active 88's Running shoes: https://www.activeimprintsco.com/
Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076
Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005
Getting from couch to 5K to Leadville Trail 100 doesn't happen by accident, nor does it happen smoothly. Today, Arron and Brandon talk about their personal running evolutions and what got them to (and through) highs and lows of the sport of running.
To see any of the running gear or other things mentioned in this episode, check out the links below!
Links from the show:
Dynamic running warm-ups: https://www.runnersworld.com/training/g20862002/dynamic-warmup-stretches/
How to harvest and use rose hips: https://www.thespruce.com/what-are-rose-hips-and-what-do-they-do-1403046
Foraging for spruce tips: https://practicalselfreliance.com/spruce-tips/#:~:text=A%20spruce%20tip%20is%20the,y%20to%20warm%20and%20resinous.
Is chicken soup really good for a cold?: https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20001017/science-finally-shows-what-grandma-knew-all-along
Running, Etc. Virginia Beach: https://www.runningetc.com/
Athlinks: https://www.athlinks.com/
Amphipod Hydraform: https://amzn.to/3GzP5Hr
Nathan Sports Handheld Soft Flask: https://amzn.to/3aoQDYG
Katadyn BeFree 3.0L Water Filter: https://amzn.to/3LTasnL
Karmik Outdoors: https://karmikoutdoors.com/
Julbo Aerolite: https://amzn.to/39SDu9W
Ten Thousand: https://www.tenthousand.cc/
Nuun: https://amzn.to/3lKeFzD
Onnit Total Human Vitamins: https://www.onnit.com/total-human/
Today Brandon and Arron run through some of the gear they're using training for the 2022 Leadville Trail 100 (Arron running the full race and Brandon pacing Arron for the final 38 miles). The guys give high level reviews of everything from trail running shoes to socks, running shorts, running shirts, sunglasses, hats and even bug spray!
To see any of the running gear mentioned in this episode, check out the links below!
Links from the show:
BOCO Gear running trucker hats: https://bocogear.com/boco-hats/technical-trucker-hat/
Brooks Lightweight Packable Hat: https://amzn.to/3Ni4xKg
Knockaround Torrey Pines Sunglasses: https://amzn.to/3Nqcj4V
JBL Tour PRO+ TWS Headphones: https://amzn.to/3PsNlUg
Apple AirPods Pro: https://amzn.to/3PuOniH
Badger Mineral Sunscreen: https://amzn.to/3yJnEbX
Murphy's Naturals Mosquito Repellent Balm Stick: https://amzn.to/39zpge5
Piankatank River: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piankatank_River
Saucony Men's Stopwatch Short Sleeve Shirt: https://amzn.to/3MwXeyw
CamelBak Circuit Run Vest: https://amzn.to/3wk76pr
Patagonia Repairs: https://help.patagonia.com/s/article/Repair-Process
Nathan Sports Men's Running Vest, VaporKrar: https://amzn.to/38sT9wx
Suunto 9 Peak: https://amzn.to/38tFnK1
Saxx Quest Boxer Brief: https://amzn.to/3LtfTK2
New Balance Men's 6" Boxer Brief: https://amzn.to/3NqdsJL
Nike Flex Stride Trail Running Shorts: https://amzn.to/3llX2WB
Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 8: https://amzn.to/3FUQuHX
Hoka Speedgoat 5: https://www.hoka.com/en/us/mens-trail/speedgoat-5/1123157.html?dwvar_1123157_color=BCEP
Hoka Clifton 8: https://amzn.to/3MqtFyq
Hoka Kawana: https://www.hoka.com/en/us/mens-fitness/kawana/1123163.html?dwvar_1123163_color=BWHT
Saucony Peregrine 12: https://amzn.to/3FXOjDr
Running with a cold is a pain in the ass. Brandon should know because he's got a cold.
Today, Brandon and Arron look at some advice from doctors about running with a cold. Also, since both the guys have had Covid - and since both of them pushed the envelope with running while they had it - we look at the broader implications of training and racing while sick.
Links from the show:
Silver-Aged Dave: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaH_FN9f9_hp-0ThhekxcBw
Is it OK to exercise if I have a cold? (Mayo Clinic): https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/exercise/faq-20058494
Is It Safe to Run If You Have a Cold? (Healthline): https://www.healthline.com/health/running-with-a-cold
Picture Rock Trail: https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7005490/picture-rock
Heil Valley Ranch Cal-Wood Fire Recovery: https://www.bouldercounty.org/open-space/management/heil-valley-ranch-cal-wood-fire-recovery/
Yoga with Adriene: https://www.youtube.com/c/yogawithadriene
Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076
Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005
First, we look at the Hoka Speedgoat 5. Then....A marathon, ultramarathon - or any other running race for that matter - isn't simply just showing up and throwing it all out there. You need to have a strategy. A nutrition strategy. A hydration strategy. Most importantly, a total race strategy.
On episode 8 of GRIT from Gearist, Brandon and Arron get down and dirty with breaking down all those miles into bitesize chunks.
Links from the show:
Hall Ranch Loop: https://www.trailrunproject.com/trail/7022391/hall-ranch-loop
Trail Run Project: https://www.trailrunproject.com/
Adventure Projects Apps: https://www.adventureprojects.net/
Hoka Speedgoat 5: https://www.hoka.com/en/us/mens-trail/speedgoat-5/1123157.html
Ironman finish Line Ankle Break: https://youtu.be/qXFwJkkFBAY
Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076
Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005
Picking the right trail running shoe for an event like the Leadville Trail 100 is a tricky thing. Today, Arron and Brandon get into the top five things to consider when looking for the right shoe for your event (and training).
Links from the show:
Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076
Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005
For a lot of people, running makes you have to pee. Today we talk about why that might be happening to runners. We also look at urine color as a measure of how hydrated you are and how to gauge hydration on frequency of peeing!
Links from the show:
I need to pee, except I don't. From Runner's World: https://www.runnersworld.com/health-injuries/a20820692/i-need-to-pee-except-i-dont/
Pee Color chart from the Cleveland Clinic: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-urine-color-means/
Leadville Trail 100 map: https://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/run/leadvilletrail100run/
Lifestraw: https://amzn.to/3EBQnkc
Katadyn Water Filter: https://amzn.to/3K0AoNC
What is a pika?: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pika
The feet of a runner can present some huge problems - especially during longs months and miles of training leading up to a marathon or even an ultramarathon like the Leadville Trail 100! Today, Brandon and Arron talk about what kind of socks they wear, blisters, callouses, hot spots, lotions and potions.
Links from the show:
BPN (Bare Performance Nutrition): https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com/
Injinji Toe Socks: https://amzn.to/3jHAdM8
Body Glide: https://amzn.to/3jyH1fg
O'keefe's Healthy Feet Foot Cream: https://amzn.to/3JA4lDW
Udderly Smooth Foot Cream: https://amzn.to/3rqBThn
DZNuts: https://amzn.to/3jCUYcc
Squirrel's Nut Butter: https://amzn.to/3xI8VxN
Wrightsock: https://amzn.to/3vouAIy
Superfeet: https://amzn.to/3vouAIy
What is backcountry skiing / alpine touring?: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/types-of-skiing.html
Running 100 miles horror show video: https://youtu.be/9UdvlpgtZt8
HOW TO USE A PRESTA VALVE WITH ANY PUMP https://youtu.be/76AQ8RFvCX4
Today Neal Palles of Colorado Psychotherapy & Sport Performance joins Arron and Brandon. As a multiple finisher of the iconic Leadville Trail 100 ultramarathon, Neal is amazing at guiding athletes through not only the physical journey of marathon training but (more?) importantly, the psychological ups and downs.
Links from the show:
Bear Peak in Boulder, Colorado: https://bouldercolorado.gov/trail/bear-peak
The Little Red Lighthouse in NYC: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/fort-washington-park/highlights/11044
Grit by Angel Duckworth: https://amzn.to/3udbRAg
Sanitas Brewery Lime Lager: https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/31765/587646/
Virginia Beer Co. Free Verse IPA: https://virginiabeerco.com/beer/free-verse/
Colorado Psychotherapy & Sport Performance: https://coloradopsychotherapyandsport.com/
Neal Palles on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/10684875
Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076
Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005
Nutrition for any running race - and in this case the Leadville Trail 100 - is a critically important part of making it not only to the finish line but also, to the starting line. In episode 3 of GRIT from Gearist Arron and Brandon talk about their training for the past week and begin what is sure to be the first of many conversations on fueling for training and racing of the famous ultramarathon in Leadville, Colorado.
Links from the show:
Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076
Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005
A trail running race like the Leadville Trail 100 isn't something to be entered into lightly. Today, Brandon and Arron talk about the week of training since the last episode and also look at the (surprisingly minimal) rules of the iconic event in Leadville, Colorado.
Links from the show:
Shamrock Marathon (Virgina Beach): https://www.shamrockmarathon.com/
Origins of the Leadville Trail 100: https://coloradoencyclopedia.org/article/leadville-trail-100-run
Western Pack Burro Ass-ociation: https://www.packburroracing.org/
Born to Run (book): https://amzn.to/357WAXK
2022 Leadville Trail 100 Athlete Guide: http://l283s3pxq2ktw6gs37ski16ee-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/LeadvilleAthleteGuideRunFinal-1.pdf
Theragun: https://amzn.to/3wq2dvp
Moji foot massager: https://amzn.to/3wq2dvp
Rawlogy: https://amzn.to/3wulLz0
Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076
Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005
Arron is running the 2022 Leadville trail 100 ultramarathon. He's a dad of 3 kiddos under 10, has a full-time job and lives at sea level in Virginia Beach. Brandon is coming along to crew - and to get back in shape. It's going to be a wild ride.